Suppress communication. Interrupt connection. Stop having communication, relationship, link. Disconnection, especially digital disconnection, has become a desire for many and a practice recommended by most wellness experts. Especially during holiday seasons like Christmas, being able to turn off your phone and disconnect from the rest of humanity is a wish for many, a labor right that is not always upheld, and something many people still struggle to put into practice due to “fear of missing out” (or FOMO, as the English say). A fear that can have mental health consequences.
“Experts agree on the triggers for mental health issues, especially in adolescents: uncontrolled internet access, access to digital services governed by an algorithm designed to be addictive, and the ease of connection through mobile phones,” details Manuel Fuertes, CEO of Kiatt, who emphasizes that “we must carefully analyze the importance of mental health, the role of new technologies in society, and how they are used.” This expert assures that technological development is “inherent to human development,” but stresses that “we cannot allow technological innovation to neglect the emotional needs of our society. It is time to stop, reflect, and be aware that we must use technology to build a more human future.”
Phone Yes, Smart No
This set of circumstances is leading some users to return to basics: a mobile phone, but not a smartphone, so that communications are limited to calls and text messages. The study “Generation SPCial on Digital Disconnection Habits of Young Spaniards” by SPC points out that 12.2% of the population has opted to replace their smartphone with a phone without internet access, and 19.5% know someone who has done so. This company specializes in making devices without internet access. Although initially designed for older adults, the range of users has expanded, and they claim to sell 300,000 phones without internet each year in Spain.
“Dumbphones are an option that allows people to choose when they want to be connected. Six out of ten workers do not disconnect during their holidays, according to a survey. Some people opt for a basic phone to avoid accessing apps. They allow users to stay connected to the world through calls and messages, but without the distractions that can come with social networks, apps, etc.,” says Irene Manterola, Marketing Director at SPC.
“Some people feel comfortable using a phone without internet all the time, but there are also many who might want to use it in specific moments or settings,” she explains, adding that the main advice from the company is to “decide what those moments and settings are. That is, there will be people who want to use them during their free hours or weekends, enjoying more offline leisure. However, others will want to use them for longer periods to focus on other activities and hobbies, taking a break from the hyperconnectivity surrounding them daily.”
Companies as Guarantees
SPC assures that their devices can be useful for those who want to use them as work tools, “since a phone without internet access allows them to stay available but not distracted by message or email notifications.”
The truth is that digital disconnection is a labor right in our country. But as Victoria Miravall, Product Management Director Payroll & WCM at Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting Europe South Region, acknowledges, it is not always upheld. “Companies play a key role as guarantors of this right,” she reminds, suggesting the implementation of policies promoting good practices in this regard as fundamental to fostering employees’ digital disconnection and aligning with this protective legal framework.
But once the framework is created by companies, “digital disconnection is also a matter of will and discipline on the part of the employee, who must internalize this right and make it effective.” This is an important nuance, as an analysis by Infojobs on disconnection during rest times reveals that six out of ten (59%) workers report not disconnecting during their vacation periods.
This especially affects those working in sectors with high demand during these dates (such as shopping, logistics and warehousing, retail, or customer service) but also roles that require constant availability or have critical responsibilities, such as healthcare professionals, emergency services, or other essential workers.
“Rest is essential for our health and fundamental to preventing stress and professional burnout, but each person must find the formula to achieve it,” says Mónica Pérez, Director of Communication, Studies, and Institutional Relations at InfoJobs, who points out that technology “allows us to work from anywhere and at any time,” so “this flexibility and ease also blur the boundaries between personal and professional spheres. Therefore, we need to be aware of the need to find balance between the two.”
Overcoming Fears
Some people fail to disconnect from work, often related to “constant pressure to meet specific goals and be available,” according to Infojobs, but also due to unclear guidelines on rest periods or work overload.
“Some professionals fear completely disconnecting from work for fear of missing opportunities or being replaced, which generates anxiety and makes disconnection difficult. The feeling of being unavailable can be seen as an obstacle to professional advancement,” adds Pérez.
This affects the entire team. “Leaders’ behavior influences organizational culture, and their actions impact their teams and overall well-being. If a manager does not disconnect, their teams are likely to feel the pressure to do the same for fear of being perceived as less committed. This can create a domino effect,” warns Mónica Pérez.
Betting on this “digital detox” is “beneficial” for individuals and companies, as promoting these practices contributes to the growth and competitiveness of the business ecosystem, says Victoria Miravall, who views digital disconnection as an obligation for companies, a right for workers, and “a strategic value that directly impacts competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of organizations.”
So, if you’re a workaholic, “it is essential to adopt an approach based on discipline, good practices, and the use of technology,” according to this expert, who advises setting start and end times for the workday and respecting them. “This is a practice that not only prevents burnout but also fosters a balance between professional and personal life.”
